Genetic Risk Factors |
The genetics of hypertension are complex with no known single gene playing a major role. Instead many genes each with mild effects reacting to different environmental factors contribute to blood pressure.
The heritable component of blood pressure has been documented in twin studies. It suggests that 30% to 50% of the variance in blood pressure readings is attributable to genes and about 50% to environmental factors.
Further understanding of the genetics of hypertension will require the use of advances in genetic technology
Specific Genes Include....
Butler, M. G. (n.d.). Genetics of hypertension. Current status. Retrieved April 17, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21462849
The heritable component of blood pressure has been documented in twin studies. It suggests that 30% to 50% of the variance in blood pressure readings is attributable to genes and about 50% to environmental factors.
- Early studies in hypertension identified specific enzymes, channels and receptors implicating sodium handling in the regulation of blood pressure including genes involved with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system controlling blood pressure and salt-water homeostasis
- proteins in hormonal regulation of blood pressure (enzymes and receptors of the mineralo- and glucocorticoid pathways)
- proteins coded by genes involved in the structure and/or regulation of vascular tone (endothelins and their receptors).
Further understanding of the genetics of hypertension will require the use of advances in genetic technology
Specific Genes Include....
- ATP2B1, linked to both blood pressure and hypertension. The gene ATP2B1 makes a protein that pumps calcium out of the cells that line the interior of blood vessels.
- Changes in SH2B3, a protein involved in the immune response, also linked to increased blood pressure.
Butler, M. G. (n.d.). Genetics of hypertension. Current status. Retrieved April 17, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21462849